In 1977 Eric Lévi founded the hard rock band Shakin' Street which would release the two albums Vampire Rock and Solid As A Rock. Shakin' Street briefly toured with AC/DC and the Blue Öyster Cult before disbanding in 1981. Later on in his career, Eric Lévi wrote the musical score to several movies, including L'Opération Corned-beef and the comedy Les Visiteurs which was an international success and one of the highest grossing movies of all time in France.
Era's self-titled debut album in 1997 proved to be a hit, becoming the most exported French album with over 6 million copies sold. A sequel, Era 2 was released in 1999, followed by Era: The Mass in 2003. The trilogy is characterized by a mixture of rock, synth, and pseudo-Latin Gregorian chant.
The Mass
Eric Levi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aut decrescis
Vita detestabilis
Nunc obdurat
Et tunc curat
Ludo mentis aciem
Nunc obdurat
Ludo mentis aciem
Egestatem
Potestatem
Dissolvit ut glaciem
Divano
Divano re
Divano blessi
Divano blessia
Divano blessia
Divano
Divano re
Divano blessia
Divano blessia
Sors salutis
Et virtutis
Michi nunc contraria
Est affectus
Et defectus
Semper in angaria
Hac in hora
Sine mora
Corde pulsum tangite
Divano
In divano
Sors salutis
Divano
Hac in hora
Sine mora
Corde pulsum tangite
Quod per sortem
Sternit fortem
Mecum omnes plangite
The lyrics of Eric Levi’s “The Mass” are written in Latin and provide a mysterious and powerful message. The song starts with the phrase “Semper crescis aut decrescis vita detestabilis”, which means “Always increasing or decreasing, life is detestable”. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of life and its ups and downs. The next two lines, “Nunc obdurat et tunc curat ludo mentis aciem”, can be translated to “Now it hardens and now softens the mind's edge in a game”. This may suggest that the human mind is constantly changing, adapting to circumstances, and the game of life is all about figuring out how to navigate these changes.
The phrase “Egestatem potestatem dissolvit ut glaciem” means “Poverty dissolves power like ice”. This may be interpreted as a warning to those in power that they should not become complacent, as they may lose it all at any moment. The repetition of the word “Divano” throughout the song adds to the mystical and haunting feel of “The Mass”. The phrase “Sors salutis et virtutis Michi nunc contraria Est affectus et defectus semper in angaria” translates to “The lot of salvation and virtue is now contrary to me, and I am always in hardship due to sickness and defect”. This may suggest that despite one’s efforts to lead a virtuous and noble life, they may still face challenges and obstacles.
Overall, “The Mass” is a powerful and thought-provoking composition that invites the listener to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the challenges that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Semper crescis
Always growing
Aut decrescis
Or diminishing
Vita detestabilis
Despicable life
Nunc obdurat
Now it hardens
Et tunc curat
And then it heals
Ludo mentis aciem
Playing with the sharpness of the mind
Egestatem
Poverties
Potestatem
Powers
Dissolvit ut glaciem
Melts like ice
Divano
Sofa
Divano re
Sofa king
Divano blessi
Blessed sofa
Divano blessia
Blessed sofa
Divano
Sofa
Divano re
Sofa king
Divano blessia
Blessed sofa
Divano blessia
Blessed sofa
Sors salutis
Fate of salvation
Et virtutis
And virtue
Michi nunc contraria
Now contrary to me
Est affectus
Is influenced
Et defectus
And failures
Semper in angaria
Always in distress
Hac in hora
At this hour
Sine mora
Without delay
Corde pulsum tangite
Touch the heartstrings
Quod per sortem
What through fate
Sternit fortem
Strikes down the strong
Mecum omnes plangite
All mourn with me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARL ORFF, ERIC LEVISALLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@theretiringbarber
Great music.
@martynawisniowska9298
beautiful song with grace
@farnesebarros2503
a muito procurava por esta música
@luizfernandorodrigues4821
musica muito foda
@rebecarodrigues409
muito bom o video
@xxmariaxx71
gracias !!!!!!!!!
@astarothtutorilaes
estupendo gracias:)
@xxmariaxx71
gracias noelia
@noixaay8809
hay
@Glutoplej
This song is very dark and cool